Ergonomic hand-held computer input and control device

ABSTRACT

A hand-held computer input and control device designed to be held in the palm of a relaxed free floating hand, wherein the device is balanced for use with the user&#39;s thumb, 1 st  and/or 2 nd  fingers. In one exemplary embodiment, a hand held structure having general radial symmetry, for use in multi-button three dimensional computer control applications, consisting of a mushroom like head with multiple buttons placed such that the thumb, first, or second fingers can easily control them, and a separate cylindrical body with two grooves and optional buttons positioned for grasping by the third and fourth fingers is provided.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119 toU.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 60/509,266; filed Oct. 8,2003, and 60/468,277; filed May 6, 2003, the complete disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention presented is related in general to computer input andcontrol devices, and in particular to hand-held input and controldevices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the early days of computer the input and output was either in theform of numbers or text. The primary input devices were teletypewritersand punched card readers. As computing became better and cheaper,graphical user interfaces were developed, and along with them aninteractive input controller called the mouse. The mouse is a hand helddevice with one or more click buttons and usually a ball and x/y rodassembly that tracks movement on a plane, typically the surface of adesk. Since the original design, there have been numerous variations ofthe mouse. Some are used palm down like the first mouse, but manyversions are utilized with the hand in a “thumb up” position such asthose described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,147 to Lear, and U.S. Pat. No.5,894,303 to Barr.

Recently computing has become so much better and cheaper thatinteractive three-dimensional graphics has become commonplace. Computergraphics coupled with stereographic output devices and three-dimensional“gloves” has led to a branch of interactive computer graphics calledVirtual Reality. Glove technology uses a combination of finger switchesor buttons along with flexion sensors and a three-dimensional positionsensor, generally placed on the back of the hand, such as described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,515,669 to Mohri, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,164 toCartabiano.

The problem with such devices is related to their structure. When peopleuse gloves on their hands in warm surroundings their hands will tend toperspire. The insides of the gloves get wet. The combination of waterand constant movement tends to wear out the gloves' finger sensors.Gloves are also right and left handed, so for applications that requiretwo hands, two different gloves must be manufactured, whereas some typesof mouse like controllers are ambidextrous such as in U.S. Pat. No.6,072,471 to Lo. Furthermore, unlike a mouse, which can just betemporarily left on a surface when not in use, gloves must be physicallytaken off when temporarily suspending computer operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hand-held computer input and controldevice, comprising: a body configured to be held in the palm of arelaxed free floating hand; and a plurality of manual controls disposedon the body for operation by a user's thumb and at least one of theuser's fingers, in various aspects, the plurality of manual controls arepositioned for use by a user's thumb and 1^(st) finger, and optionally2^(nd) finger while the user's 3^(rd) and 4^(th) fingers are wrappedaround the body of the device.

The body of the device may be shaped to contact the user's hand with theuser's fingers being curled progressively tighter from the 1^(st) to4^(th) finger of the hand. For example, the body of the device has agenerally tapered shape. In optional embodiments, the body of the deviceis generally symmetrical about a central vertical axis extendingtherethrough.

In one aspect, the body has a top portion and a bottom portion. The topportion may be generally mushroom or hemispherical shaped, and theplurality of manual controls are disposed on the top portion. The bottomportion may be generally conical in shape. Optional finger grooves maybe provided, for the 3^(rd) and 4^(th) fingers.

An advantage of the present invention is that it may be balanced to beheld and operated with a thumb and one finger, or with only two fingers.Opposable thumb pressure is not required due to the edge of the topportion contacting the palm.

Optional position sensing equipment may be provided to sense thelocation or orientation, or both, of the device.

In preferred aspects, the device is adapted to control a two-dimensionalor three-dimensional cursor on a monitor of a computer.

In preferred aspects, a pair of devices may be provided (with oneconfigured for operation in the user's left hand and the other in theuser's right hand).

In preferred aspects, the present invention provides an input andcontrol device having the advantages of three dimensional capability ofa glove like input device with the rugged ease of use of a mouse in acomfortable ergonomic style. Further benefits of the present input andcontrol device are its being ergonomic. For example, the present devicefits comfortably into a user's hand, regardless of the position andorientation of the user's hand in space. Thus, the present device isbalanced in the user's hand, such that it can be operated easily indifferent orientations in space.

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention is a hand-heldstructure with radial symmetry, shaped to fit naturally into a humanhand, for use in multi-button three dimensional computer controlapplications. Such embodiment may optionally comprise two portions,being a mushroom-like top portion with multiple buttons, or other manualcontrols, placed such that the thumb, 1^(st), or 2^(nd) fingers caneasily control them, and a separate cylindrical lower portion with twooptional grooves positioned for grasping by the third and fourthfingers. The two portions snap or screw together into a single device100 shown in FIG. 1. The whole assembly of the device may be hollow toprovide space for optional positional electronics, or otherapplication-specific hardware, button assemblies and computer interfacewire, which exits near the bottom of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing of shape of an assembled device according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a mushroom-shaped top portion (i.e. the “head”)of the device separated from the cylindrical body of the device;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the mushroom-shaped top portion;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the cylindrical bottom portion;

FIG. 5 is a cross section diagram of an assembled device;

FIG. 6 is a cross section diagram of an assembled wireless device;

FIG. 7 are top views of mushroom-shaped top portions for left and righthand placements;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the cylindrical bottom portion.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention having atriangular (i.e.: ambidextrous) button pattern that can be used byeither hand.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention having aflat surface such that it will not roll around when placed on a flatsurface.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of two portions, asshown in FIG. 2. A mushroom-shaped head 200 with multiple buttons 210 isprovided such that the thumb, 1^(st), or 2^(nd) fingers can easilycontrol them, and a separate bottom portion 220 with two grooves 230positioned for grasping by the third and fourth fingers. The mushroomshaped top portion 200 as shown in cross section in FIG. 3, has a hollowcavity 310 with counter-bores 320 to insert switches into, andsmall-drilled holes 330 to pass the signal from the switches. The bottomportion 220 may optionally be cylindrical as shown in cross section inFIG. 4 with a hollow cavity 410 that is tapered to insure sidewallintegrity, down to a small hole 420 for the connection (by cable orantenna) to a computer.

In various embodiments, buttons 210 (or 710 in FIG. 7) may be simpleon-off switches, but they may also be alternate switches or controllersincluding trackballs, joysticks, etc. Buttons/switches 210 or 710 may becontrolled/actuated by the user's thumb, 1^(st) and/or 2^(nd) fingers.In various embodiments, buttons/switches 210 or 710 may optionally becontrolled/actuated by the user's 3^(rd) and possibly 4^(th) fingers.

The shape of the combined assembly is designed to fit naturally into ahand at rest. The most natural shape of a hand at rest is with thefingers progressively more curled from the first or pointer fingerslightly bent to the 4^(th) or pinky finger most curled, as can be seenin photographs of astronauts in zero gravity sleep. The device is smalland light enough to be held securely in place by only the 3^(rd) or ringfinger and the 4^(th) or pinky finger when they are curled around thecylindrical body in the two grooves.

Thus, the body of the present invention is ergonomically shaped orconfigured to be held in the palm of a relaxed, free floating hand. Asunderstood herein, a “relaxed, free floating hand” is understood to meana hand in which the user's fingers are curled progressively tighter fromthe 1^(st) to 4^(th) finger of the hand.

As can be seen herein, top portion 200 may be mushroom-shape orhemispherical-shaped (including any generally curved section or surfaceas found in a section of the surface of a sphere). As can also be seen,device 100 may be generally symmetrical about a central vertical axisextending through the device. The present invention is not so limited.Rather, ergonomic shaped design in which the device is balanced for usein the operator's hand is contemplated. As can also be seen, the devicemay be cylindrical, tapered or conical in shape. Again, the presentinvention is not so limited. Preferably, however, device 100 is shapedsuch that a user is able to activate at least one of the manual controlswith their 1^(st) and/or 2^(nd) fingers, without having to provide acounter pressure on the device with their thumb. As well, device 100 maybe shaped such that a user is able to activate at least one of themanual controls with their thumb, 1^(st) and/or 2^(nd) fingers.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the device with optional, preferredelectronics included. The wires 510 from the switches 210 in themushroom head 200 are connected to a connector 520 which makesconnection with a corresponding connector 520 in the body when the twopieces 200, 220 are snapped together. The positional electronics 540 ishoused below the connector in the cavity of the body 220. Optionalpositional electronics 540 may be used to sense either or both of thedevice's location or its orientation in space. Wires from the connectorand the positional electronics 550 thread through the hole 420 into acable 560 that connects the assembly to a computer.

In alternate embodiments, various other electronic systems andcomponents may be positioned within the device. For example, electronicsystems that provide various forms of feedback may be included. In afirst example, tactile feedback systems may be included. Such tactilefeedback systems may include systems that cause to the body or buttonsof the device to vibrate, or to produce a short pulsed vibration suchthat that device will momentarily “tick” or “jerk” This may bebeneficial when alerting a user that an on-screen cursor has puncturedan on-screen object. In a second example, audio feedback systems mayalso be included. For example, the device may include vibrationtransducers capable of transmitting a wide range of audio frequenciesfrom discrete “clicks” or “taps” speaker(s) that “beep” when desired tosystems capable of producing voice, music or any other sound. In oneembodiment, such audio transducers may emit a sound of varying pitch,with the pitch correlating to on-screen movement, such as distancetraveled. For example, the pitch may increase (or decrease) as on-screenobjects are stretched, pulled apart, or moved around. In a thirdexample, visual feedback systems may be included. Examples of suchsystems include systems configured to illuminate the body orbuttons/switches of the device. Thus, various tactile, audio and visualfeedback systems are contemplated, all keeping within the scope of thepresent invention.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the switch control wires 510connect to connectors 610 on the inner edge of the mushroom head, whichin turn connect to connectors 620 on the inner edge of the cylindricalbody 220 such that the connections are made when the mushroom head isscrewed or snapped onto the body. The positioning electronics 540 andthe wires from the buttons are all connected to a wireless transponder630, which in turns interfaces with a computer via wirelesscommunication technology transmitted over an antenna 640 that may extendout the hole 420 at the bottom of the body. Replaceable or rechargeablebatteries, or other energy storage devices, 650 to power the electronicsare housed above the electronics. Spring driven metal connector(s) 660in the mushroom-like top portion insure the batteries make good contact.

It is to be understood that the particular shape of the presentinvention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is merely exemplary, and is notlimiting. Consequently, alternate shapes for the body of the presentinvention may be used instead. For example, the body of the device maybe non-symmetrical, having both left-handed and right-handed versions.Alternately, the body of the device may be shaped, like a pistol grip.Such a pistol grip embodiment may have optional finger grooves orienteddiagonally (instead of perpendicular) to the body's main axis.

It is to be understood that the particular button/actuator configurationillustrated herein is merely exemplary. In optional embodiments, anambidextrous button configuration may be used instead, such that thedevice may be used equally well by a user's left and right hands. Suchan ambidextrous button configuration is shown in FIG. 9.

In further optional embodiments, the body of the device may have a flatsurface(s) such that when placed on a table, it will not roll around.Such a flat surface 900 is shown in FIG. 10.

In optional embodiments, head 200 may also have grooves or indentationstherein for receipt of the user's thumb, 1^(st) and/or 2^(nd) fingers.

In optional embodiments, bottom portion 220 may be made from two piecesthat are assembled together. This may facilitate manufacturing andservicing, allow easier installation of electronics therein and permit awider variety of materials to be used.

In yet another embodiment the batteries may be rechargeable by placingthe controller in a charger.

In yet another embodiment the same body can be used with top portionsthat have different button placement either for different sized hands orfor left and right hands as shown in FIG. 7.

In yet another embodiment, because traditional milling equipment may beused to form the components of this invention, it may be milled out ofwood, or some other non-liquid molded materials.

In yet another embodiment, the body of the present invention may beformed by injection molding plastic. An advantage of injection moldingis that it is very cost effective.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, multiple buttons 710 maybe placed in adjacent positions for selection by the thumb.

In yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, separate connectors 810may be wired together with different jumper wires 820 inside themushroom head to identify the type of controller when multiplecontrollers are used with a single computer.

In yet another optional embodiment the bottom of the device can beconnected to a base for use as a joy stick.

In yet another embodiment the switches may include, but are not limitedto push button electrical switches, directional force sensing controlsor pneumatic force sensing controls.

In yet another embodiment the controller may be used to control theplacement of a two or three-dimensional cursor on a computer screen.

In yet another embodiment, to alleviate overheating of power dissipatinginternal electronics, additional holes may be drilled into the head orbody in locations where the fingers are not placed to provide air flowto the electronic components, or a heat sink may be added to theassembly and either extended out the bottom hole or extended out someother hole that is added where the fingers would not normally betouching the body.

In optional embodiments, one or more of buttons 210 or 710 may beilluminated. Alternately, or in addition, the body of the device may beilluminated, or include glow-in-the-dark materials.

In further optional embodiments, the body of the device, or buttons 210or 710 thereon, may be made to vibrate, or provide some other form oftactile feedback.

The present invention may optionally include a set of batteries, awireless transponder, wires connecting said manual controls and saidsensing equipment to said transponder and an antenna, for communicatingwith a computer.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-held control device, comprising: a body configured to be held in the palm of a relaxed free floating hand, the body having a top portion that is generally hemispherical in shape, and a bottom portion; and a plurality of manual controls disposed on the top portion of the body for operation by a user's thumb and at least one of the user's 1^(st) and 2^(nd) fingers, and wherein the user's 3^(rd) and 4^(th) fingers are wrapped around the bottom portion of the device.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of manual controls disposed on the top portion of the body for operation by the user's thumb and the user's 1^(st) and 2^(nd) fingers.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion has at least two grooves positioned for grasping by the user's 3^(rd) and 4^(th) fingers and is shaped to the user's hand, and wherein the user's fingers are curled progressively tighter from the 3^(rd) finger to the 4^(th) finger of the hand.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is shaped to conform to the lower portion of the user's hand, and wherein the user's fingers are wrapped around the bottom portion.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion is generally hemispherical in shape.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion is generally spherical in shape.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion is generally spherical in shape with a flattened area to accommodate an array of switch actuators.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the 3^(rd) finger is positioned in reduced cross-sectional area or channel-like reduction, specifically located below the top portion to allow the user to securely retain the device without aid from the other fingers, thereby allowing complete, independent, and non-opposable freedom of movement of the thumb, 1^(st), and/or 2^(nd) fingers, to actuate the controls; and wherein the bottom portion is configured such that its cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, is tapered to fit comfortably in the lower palm of the hand.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that a user is able to activate at least one of the manual controls with their 1^(st) or 2^(nd) fingers, without having to provide a counter pressure on the device with their thumb.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that a user is able to activate at least one of the manual controls with either of their 3^(rd) or 4^(th) fingers.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the body of the device has a generally tapered shape.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is shaped to contact the user's hand with the user's fingers being curled progressively tighter from the 3^(rd) to 4^(th) finger of the hand.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the body of the device is generally symmetrical about a central vertical axis extending therethrough.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is generally conical in shape.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein a horizontal cross-section of the bottom portion is generally elliptical in shape.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein a horizontal cross-section of the bottom portion is shaped to conform to the lower portion of the hand.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion can be removed from the bottom portion of the device such that differently configured top portions can be interchanged with the bottom portion of the device.
 18. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a stand connected to the bottom of said body such that the device may be operated as a joystick.
 19. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a flat surface disposed on the body of the device to prevent the device from rolling when placed on a flat surface.
 20. A hand-held computer input and control device, comprising: a body configured to be held in the palm of a relaxed free floating hand, the body having a top portion that is generally hemispherical in shape, and a cylindrical bottom portion; and a plurality of openings in the generally hemispherical top portion of the body, the openings being adapted to receive a plurality of manual controls disposed on the top portion of the body for operation by a user's thumb and 1^(st) and 2^(nd) fingers.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the 3^(rd) finger is positioned in a reduced cross-sectional area specifically located below the top portion to allow the user to securely retain the device without aid from the other fingers, thereby allowing complete, independent, and non-opposable freedom of movement of the thumb, 1^(st), and 2^(nd) fingers, to actuate the controls; and wherein the bottom portion configured such that a groove for the 4^(th) finger is wrapped at a reduced radius relative to the 3^(rd) finger and whose horizontal cross-section is generally circular.
 22. The device of claim 21, further comprising: the plurality of manual controls disposed within the openings in the body. 